- Advocacy groups demand OpenAI fully withdraws a controversial California AI safety ballot initiative.
- The measure is criticized for limiting legal accountability and potentially weakening protections for children online.
- Critics argue the proposal defines harm too narrowly and could restrict future legislative action.
- Despite pausing its campaign, OpenAI retains control of the initiative with $10 million in its committee.
A coalition of advocacy groups, including AI policy non-profit Encode AI, has formally urged ChatGPT developer OpenAI to withdraw a California ballot initiative that could reshape AI regulations. The letter, sent on Wednesday and reviewed by Decrypt, claims the proposed “Parents & Kids Safe AI Act” offers inadequate child safety.
Specifically, the groups argue the initiative defines “severe harm” too narrowly. This definition, focusing on physical injury tied to suicide, excludes broader mental health concerns raised by researchers.
Consequently, the measure would severely limit enforcement tools and bar families from bringing direct claims. Adam Billen, co-executive director of Encode AI, stated the rules could block families from “disclosing their dead children’s chat logs in court.”
Additionally, the proposal would make future amendments difficult by requiring a two-thirds legislative vote. Such changes would also need to support broad standards like “economic progress,” potentially stifling regulatory updates.
Meanwhile, OpenAI has paused its signature-gathering campaign but holds significant leverage. Billen explained the funded committee acts as a “threat they’re leaving on the table” to steer legislative negotiations in Sacramento.
This tactic mirrors a common industry playbook, according to critics. Billen noted the strategy resembles previous lobbying efforts by other major tech firms.
The coalition’s primary demand is for OpenAI to dissolve its ballot committee entirely. They argue companies should not write the rules that regulate their own technology.
OpenAI did not immediately respond to a request for comment. For now, the initiative’s fate remains a pivotal point in ongoing AI policy debates.
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